James M. Derringer
July 17, 1948-May 4, 2026
James M. Derringer, 77, of Roachdale passed away peacefully, Monday, May 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.
James was born July 17, 1948, in Kenton, Ohio, to Carlos H. and Betty P. (Rice) Derringer. Jim was a Vietnam War veteran, proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1969 through 1975, including service in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He was a man who had a passion for God and his country and loved serving others.
On Dec. 30, 1974, in LaRue, Ohio, James married the love of his life, Betty Jane Stonebraker. They shared more than 51 years marriage.
Though he did not grow up on a farm, Jim developed a deep love for horses and farming as a young man. Together, Jim and Betty turned that dream into reality, building a successful farm and cattle enterprise while creating a beautiful life centered around faith, family, hard work, and unwavering love.
Jim was an active member of Whitesville Christian Church and the Roachdale VFW, where he served as Commander for several years. He also served on the Honor Guard. He worked at Raybestos and retired after 33 years of service. Jim was also a member of the Devon Cattle Association and founded Lick Creek Farms in 1993. In 2017, he received the Outstanding Veteran Farmer Award and was also recognized by the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Jane Derringer; his children, Jamie M. Carrington (Joshua), Chris Wiatt (Debbie), LeAnn Curran (Rod), Eric Wiatt (Leigh) and Mary Beth Jones; 11 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeff Derringer (Jane), Judy Hahn (Dennis) and Joe Derringer, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Brent Jones; his father- and mother-in- law, Harry and Edna Stonebraker; his aunt and uncle, Frieda and Don Ledman; and a longtime friend, Bob Keck.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 11 at Whitesville Christian Church 3603 S. Ladoga Road, Crawfordsville, with Mike Whitaker, Dave Bower and Rod Curran officiating. Burial will follow in Roachdale Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the local VFW Honor Guard. Family and friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until service time also at the church. Servies Funeral and Cremation Services, Roachdale, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to the Whitesville Christian Church. Envelopes will be provided.
You are invited to www.serviesfuneralhome.com where you may leave online condolences or share a memory with the family.
